Our strategic pipelines

We’re creating a new drinking water grid for the East of England.

It is one of Europe’s biggest environmental projects and the most important in Anglian Water's history.

Once complete, hundreds of kilometres of underground, large-diameter, interconnecting pipelines will stretch from North Lincolnshire to Essex. They will be supported by new infrastructure such as pumping stations and storage reservoirs along the route to bring water to customer’s taps.

The pipelines will allow between 15 and 55 million litres of water to be moved from ‘wetter’ to ‘drier’ areas of the region, helping to combat the risk of shortages, boosting resilience and securing water supplies. They will also reduce the number of homes and businesses that rely on a single water source.

The project forms a key part of our Water Resource Management Plan (WRMP), which sets out how we will manage the water supplies in our region to meet current and future needs over 25 years.

Our impact

The importance of SPA can’t be underestimated. With a rapidly growing population and the visible impacts of climate change, demand for water will outstrip supply by 2030 without our new drinking water grid. The East of England is officially classed as ‘water stressed’, meaning that we must make careful use of this most precious resource to balance supply and demand. The new pipelines will play a key role in meeting long-term water demands and boost local economies. 

Our work will leave a green and social legacy. We've donated more than 2,500 books to primary schools and proactively work with children on literacy development, planted thousands of trees to boost biodiversity, built special 'commuter' fences to help bats with their navigation and donated life-saving defibrillators to communities.

Project updates

We have more than 170 kilometres of pipe already in the ground across the whole stretch of the central pipeline.

With the wettest winter on record from 2023 to 2024 and exceptional circumstances for large infrastructure projects in the UK, the programme schedule has been impacted. As a result, we have rephased some of the work planned in the region. Updates for each section of the pipeline can be found in the section updates.

Learn how we’re creating hundreds of kilometres of pipeline to safeguard long-term water supplies

Pipeline section updates

Find the latest updates along the strategic pipeline route.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has pipelaying been rephased?

Exceptional circumstances for large infrastructure projects in the UK, the wettest winter on record from 2023 to 2024, and our duty to protect the environment.

Because the pipeline will allow us to move water from areas of surplus to areas in deficit, we must reduce the amount of water we take from sensitive areas like chalk streams in the south and east of our region as part of our licences from the Environment Agency. This makes the south a priority location.

Why are there speed restrictions in place when no work is happening?

During periods of reduced work, our working areas, compound areas, accesses and chamber positions will remain in place and will be maintained by our delivery team.

Some work will continue on-site at a reduced capacity, and the restrictions will remain in place for the safety of both our staff and customers.

When will fields be reinstated?

As part of our work, all affected areas will be reinstated and returned to their original condition. Landowners and occupiers will be consulted individually to confirm timescales.

If land is required for longer periods, such as for commissioning, landowners and occupiers will be able to claim further compensation in line with the Water Industry Act 1991.

Will landowners and occupiers be compensated?

We have contacted all landowners and occupiers affected by the rephasing of the work. Under Schedule 12 of the Water Industry Act 1991, affected landowners and occupiers will be reasonably compensated for any loss or damages as a result.

What is the process for handing land back to landowners and occupiers once works are complete and land is reinstated?

When returning land, we ensure the condition of reinstatement is mutually agreed. Landowners and occupiers will be able to claim reasonable compensation for any losses incurred from the works as per the Water Industry Act 1991.

Will landowners and occupiers have access to farmland that is currently fenced off if work has been rephased?

In order to maintain the sites and keep everyone safe, access to working areas isn’t permitted. However, we’ll add crossing points to enable access for farming activities on either side of the working area, where possible.

How close to the working area can landowners and occupiers undertake farming activities?

Landowners and occupiers can work right up to the fenced-off area. If certain activities can’t be carried out as a result, this can be added to future compensation claims.

How will landowners and occupiers know what activities they can/can't do over the new pipeline?

On completion of the project, landowners and occupiers will receive a letter outlining information that identifies what can and can't be done over the protected easement, where the pipeline has been constructed. The letter will also include a plan showing the exact location of the new pipe.

Will hedgerows be reinstated?

Yes. We will consult with landowners and occupiers about the species we intend to plant and monitor hedgerows for five years to ensure they take. In the interim, heras fencing or post and rail fencing will be put in place for added security on boundaries.

When are we reinstating soil where the pipe has been laid?

We can only reinstate soils when the weather permits, as the ground conditions need to be right. This will determine our progress for reinstatement activities on fields where pipe has been laid, which we endeavour to complete as soon as practically possible.

If a landowner or occupier has a broken land drain where pipe has been laid, will it be repaired?

We will fix any broken land drains as per the Water Industry Act 1991.

Can landowners and occupiers keep ditch crossings or access points?

Planning permission was granted to Anglian Water on the basis that land will be reinstated once the pipeline is complete. So, to fulfil our planning obligations, we are required to remove all crossings and access points.

How long will the compounds on land be in place for?

All landowners and occupiers will be consulted individually about timescales. Compounds could be required up to and including the commissioning phase of the scheme.

When will all ecology works be completed on land?

We have an obligation to protect the local environment and ecology throughout the project. Some sites along the pipeline have populations of sensitive species, and surveys need to be carried out during different seasons when the species are present.

What ecology works are being carried out?

Ecology work may include, but is not limited to, walkover surveys, tree climbing, displacement, vegetation clearance, monitoring, closing of badger setts and anything else to ensure the safety of the local ecology.

How long will it take to receive compensation payments after submitting a claim?

Once a claim has been submitted and agreed by all parties, we will process claims as quickly as possible. It can take up to six weeks for compensation to be received.

How long will Anglian Water be responsible for rectifying any issues after land has been handed back?

Under the Water Industry Act 1991, Anglian Water has an obligation to compensate landowners and occupiers for reasonable losses whilst we carry out work. Landowners and occupiers will still be able to claim compensation for reasonable losses for up to six years.

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